SPRAYER BOOM RECIRCULATION AND MIXING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAME
A product dispensing system includes at least one recirculation network configured for communication with a system pump. The at least one recirculation network includes at least one sprayer boom tube and a plurality of product dispensers distributed along the at least one sprayer boom tube. A network pump is in communication with the at least one sprayer boom tube. The at least one recirculation network includes a dispensing configuration and a recirculation configuration. In the dispensing configuration the recirculation network is configured for communication with a supply tank and an agricultural product reservoir. In the recirculation configuration the recirculation network is isolated from the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir, and the recirculation network includes a recirculation loop continuously extending through the network pump and the at least one sprayer boom tube.
This patent application claims the benefit of priority of Wagers et al. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/767,280, entitled “SPRAYER BOOM RECIRCULATION AND MIXING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SAME” filed on Nov. 14, 2018 (Attorney Docket No. 2754.256PRV), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT NOTICEA portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data as described below and in the drawings that form a part of this document: Copyright Raven Industries, Inc. of Sioux Falls, S. Dak. All Rights Reserved.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to agricultural sprayers and application of agricultural products.
BACKGROUNDAgricultural sprayers transport and dispense mixed solutions of agricultural products to crops through a plurality of spray nozzles. In some examples, agricultural sprayers include a supply tank including a carrier fluid mixed with one or more agricultural products (e.g., fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide or the like) to provide an agricultural solution. A system pump draws from the supply tank and pumps the agricultural solution into sprayer boom tubes (e.g., provided along booms extending from the vehicle). The agricultural solution is pumped from a proximal end of each boom tube to an opposed distal end and dispensed from spray nozzles provided along the length of the booms between the ends. Optionally, the sprayer plumbing is configured to recirculate the agricultural solution. The recirculation loop includes one or more valves such as three-way valves, that open a complete circuit between the supply tank having the mixed solution, the system pump, the sprayer boom tubes, and returns to the supply tank to complete the loop. The system pump is operated to recirculate the agricultural solution through this loop, for instance to minimize settling of the agricultural product relative to the carrier fluid.
In other examples, sprayers include a supply tank having the carrier fluid, and one or more separate reservoirs including agricultural products. The one or more agricultural products are mixed with the carrier fluid onboard the sprayer vehicle. The system pump moves the mixed agricultural solution into the boom tubes at proximal ends adjacent to the vehicle, and the agricultural solution is pumped from the proximal ends to the opposed distal ends of the boom tubes for dispensing through spray nozzles.
OverviewThe present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved includes providing localized mixing of agricultural products relative to product dispensers (e.g., spray nozzles, nozzle arrays or the like) while at the same time including a recirculation system that does not include a supply tank, such as a carrier fluid supply tank, and enhances mixing of the agricultural product with the carrier fluid. In example sprayers with supply tanks having agricultural products premixed with the carrier solution the localized mixing and control of agricultural product concentration is not available. Accordingly, the dispensed agricultural solution provides a specified concentration delivered from proximal ends of sprayer boom tubes to opposed distal ends of the boom tubes. Further, recirculation of the fluid to minimize settling, coagulation or the like is a system wide loop extending from the supply tank, system pump, tubing to each of the sprayer boom tubes and back to the supply tank. The system pump accordingly recirculates the entire system. In example cleaning configurations an extensive volume of water is used to clean the system wide loop of the agricultural product including (the 100 gallon or more) supply tank.
In other example sprayers including a separated supply tank for the carrier fluid and one or more agricultural products the components are mixed and distributed to each of the sprayer boom tubes with the system pump. The mixed agricultural solution is delivered from the proximal ends of the sprayer boom tubes to the respective distal ends for dispensing from spray nozzles therebetween. In this example, the concentration of the agricultural solution is controlled proximate the sprayer vehicle, and the mixed solution is delivered by the system pump to proximal ends of the sprayer boom tubes. The solution is then pumped from the proximal ends to the distal ends for application. Recirculation with a mixing system is not conducted with the system pump. Because the system pump draws from the supply tank (usually including water as the carrier fluid) recirculation would contaminate the carrier fluid by introducing the mixed agricultural solution between the system pump and the distal ends of the sprayer boom tubes.
The present subject matter provides a solution to these problems by providing recirculation networks in the sprayer boom tubes that isolate the agricultural solution from each of the supply tank for the carrier fluid and the and the agricultural product reservoirs including the agricultural products. Instead, the recirculation networks recirculate the agricultural product solution proximate to the sprayer booms, for instance in the sprayer boom tubes, without communication to the supply tank or agricultural product reservoirs. The recirculation networks include recirculation pumps (e.g., separate from system pumps) that recirculate the agricultural product solution locally relative to the sprayer booms. The concentration of the agricultural product in solution is accordingly maintained locally relative to the sprayer booms without communicating the agricultural solution to upstream components such as the system pump, supply tank, agricultural product reservoirs or the like.
The recirculation networks also enhance mixing of the agricultural products with the carrier fluid locally relative to one or more product dispensers, such as spray nozzles, spray nozzle arrays or the like. For example, the recirculation networks described herein include capillary bridges between portions of the sprayer boom tubes that facilitate short circuited communication of the agricultural solution between portions of the sprayer boom tubes. Recirculation of the agricultural solution with an updated concentration (e.g., based on injection control from the agricultural product reservoirs to the carrier fluid) is rapidly performed through delivery of the solution to the sprayer boom tubes and distributing the solution having the updated concentration throughout the sprayer boom tubes with the capillary bridges of the recirculation network. The capillary bridges interconnect proximate and remote portions of the sprayer boom tubes to provide multi-dimensional communication (along the tube length as well as jumping between locations) to accelerate distribution of the agricultural product solution having an updated concentration to the remote portions and locations between the proximal and remote portions. Accordingly, rapid changes in agricultural product concentration are achieved throughout the sprayer boom tubes by way of the recirculation network without delays otherwise experienced with linear delivery of the agricultural solution from proximal ends to opposed distal ends.
This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.
In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.
The agricultural sprayer 100 includes a spraying system extending from the supply tank 116 to one or more product dispensers 120 along sprayer booms 102. The sprayer booms 102 extend from the chassis 101 and each include respective sprayer boom tubes 104. As shown in the schematic illustration overlaying the sprayer 100 the supply tank 116 includes a main line 110 and a system pump 118 along the main line 110. The main line 110 is in communication with the sprayer boom tubes 104. Operation of the system pump 118 delivers the mixed agricultural solution to the sprayer boom tubes for delivery through one or more product dispensers 120. The product dispensers 120 include, but are not limited to, one or more nozzles, arrays of nozzles, boom sections or the like. As further shown in
In spraying operation a control valve 114 (e.g., a three way control valve or the like) is interposed between the main line 110, the sprayer boom tubes 104 and a return line is configured to deliver the pumped agricultural solution from the supply tank 116 to at least one of the sprayer boom tubes 104 (e.g., the proximal portion 106 of the right boom tube 104). In the view shown in
In some examples, recirculation of the fluids through the sprayer system 103 is specified. For instance, during idling of the agricultural sprayer 100 the agricultural products in the carrier fluid of the agricultural solution settle, agglomerate or the like. Recirculation of the agricultural solution mixes the agricultural solution and accordingly redistributes the products into the carrier fluid. In other examples, cleaning of the sprayer system 103 is specified, for instance to remove residue of a first agricultural product for a second agricultural product. Where recirculation is specified the sprayer system 103 is reconfigured relative to the spraying operation.
In recirculation operation the control valve 114 is operated to interconnect the return line 112 (extending to the supply tank 116) with the remainder of the sprayer system 103. For example, a three way valve is oriented to open communication to the return line 112 while isolating the corresponding portion of the sprayer boom tube 104, in this example the right tube, from agricultural solution from the main line 116. While recirculating the system pump 118 continues to pump the agricultural solution from the supply tank 116 to one of the sprayer boom tubes 104 (e.g., the left tube in this example). The solution is delivered in a linear manner along the proximal portion 106 to the end of the sprayer boom 102, and from the end along the distal portion 108 toward the chassis 101. Optionally, the product dispensers 120 are closed if mixing of the solution is specified (e.g., to remix settled agricultural products). In another example, the product dispensers 120 are opened (including partially opened) to clean the sprayer system 103 by flushing residual agricultural product from the dispensers.
The agricultural solution continues from the distal portion 108 of the first sprayer boom tube 104 (the sprayer boom tube associated with the left sprayer boom 102 in this example) to the distal portion 108 of the second sprayer boom tube 104 (e.g., the tube associated with the right sprayer boom 102). The recirculating agricultural solution travels along the distal portion 108 of the sprayer boom tube 104 and passes through the proximal portion 106 of the boom tube 104 toward the chassis 101. The reoriented control valve 114, for instance a three way valve 114, communicates the recirculated agricultural solution to the return line 112 for delivery to the supply tank 116 to complete the circuit from the supply tank 116 to and through the sprayer boom tubes 104 and back to the supply tank 116. When spraying operation is specified the control valve 114 is operated to close communication with the return line 112 and thereby reinitiate communication of the agricultural solution from the supply tank 116 to the proximal portions 106 of the sprayer boom tubes 104 and distribution through the product dispensers 120 along the distal portions 108 of the tubes 104.
The recirculation operation described in
In other agricultural sprayers 100 the spraying system includes agricultural product reservoirs having one or more agricultural products that are injected to the carrier fluid to modulate concentrations and compositions of the agricultural solution for high resolution spraying operations. The supply tank 116 having the carrier fluid alone frustrates ongoing control of concentration or composition with recirculation because recirculation of the agricultural solution including the injected products in the carrier solution to the supply tank 116 spoils (e.g., intermixes) the carrier fluid for ongoing (future) administration of agricultural products.
As an example, both spraying operation and recirculating operation as described in
Spraying operation corresponds to the arrangement previously described relative to
The linear path of the agricultural solution, for instance from the mixer 206, through the proximal portions 106 of the sprayer boom tubes 104, and to the distal portions 108 slows the administration of agricultural solutions having updated concentrations. For instance, as concentration (and including composition) is changed at the mixer 206 the updated agricultural solution travels through the sprayer boom tubes 104 from the proximal portion 106 to the distal portion 108 prior to distribution with the specified concentration. In some examples, agricultural solutions having the specified concentration are delivered some time after the product dispensers 120 have passed the associated crops or locations prescribed to receive the specified concentration of agricultural product.
An example of a recirculation operation is shown for the spraying system 201 in
Referring again to
As further shown in
Referring again to
The spraying system 300 further includes a recirculation bridge 308 extending from the distal portions 314 of the sprayer boom tubes 310, for instance, toward the proximal portions 312 of the boom tubes (e.g., proximate to the main line 110 and the mixer 206 shown in
As further shown, each of the sprayer boom tubes 310, in this example, include one or more capillary bridges 320 extending between the proximal and distal portions 312, 314 of the associated boom tubes 310. In the example shown in
As described herein and further shown in
As shown in
In one example, for instance, during dispensing operation of the spraying system 300, the agricultural products from the reservoirs 200A, B, C are selectively added to the carrier fluid according to a specified prescription. The combination of the carrier fluid and the various agricultural products is delivered through the main line 110 to the sprayer boom tube 310. Optionally, one or more concentration sensors 322 are provided in line, for instance, with the proximal portion of the sprayer boom tube 312 to thereby facilitate the measurement of concentration (including composition) of the agricultural solution. In one example, a controller 375, control system or the like in communication with the concentration sensors 322 as well as the one or more of the injection pumps 202A-C is configured to control the concentration (as well as composition) of the agricultural products in the agricultural solution according to the specified prescription. These changes in the agricultural solution include decreasing, increasing, maintaining or halting the administration of one or more of the agricultural products to the juncture 302 shown in
The capillary bridges 320 extending from the proximal portion 312 to the distal portion 314 of the sprayer boom tube 310 facilitate the rapid dissemination and distribution of the updated agricultural solution to downstream components of the sprayer boom tube 310 including the distal portion of the sprayer boom tube 314 and the associated product dispensers 120. Accordingly, as the specified concentration (including composition) of the agricultural solution changes the spraying system 300 shown in
Each of the capillary bridges 320 provides a short circuit, shunt or the like having a shorter distance according to the length of the capillary bridge 320 in comparison to the linear delivery of the agricultural solution, for instance, along the length of the proximal portion 312, through the boom return 316 and then through the distal portion 314. As shown in the solid arrows provided with the dispensing configuration 350 the agricultural solution is readily distributed along the distal portion 314 in a plurality of locations by the capillary bridges to facilitate the rapid distribution of the updated agricultural solution in a multi-dimensional manner (e.g., linear delivery along the portions 312, 314 and laterally between the 312, 314 with the capillary bridges 320.
The two examples of capillary bridges 320 previously shown in
In some examples, the venturi valve 358 is in communication with the controller 375, and the controller 375 operates the valve 358 to change the opening of the venturi valve 358 and accordingly vary the flow rate through the capillary bridge 320. For example, the controller 375 operates the venturi valve 358 to vary the flow rate through the capillary bridge 320 based on determined (e.g., measured) and updated agricultural product concentration (as well as composition) in the distal tube portion 414.
Another example of the capillary bridge 320 previously shown in
Referring again to
As further shown in
As further shown in
Referring again to
As further shown in
As further shown in
As further shown in
As further shown in
As further shown in
In another example, the recirculation network 430 of the spraying system 400 is operated in the recirculation configuration 452 with one or more of the product dispensers 120 in an open configuration. In this example, the recirculation of a fluid, such as water or other cleaning fluid, through the recirculation network 430 rinses and removes residue from the sprayer boom tube 410 including the proximal and distal portions 412, 414 as well as from the product dispensers 120 including, for instance, a plurality of nozzles.
Referring to
As further shown in
In another example, the sprayer boom tube 500 includes one or more capillary bridges 530 configured to pass agricultural solution (e.g., having updated concentrations, compositions or the like) between the exterior and interior flow passages 502, 504. The capillary bridges 530 in this example are ports extending between the passages 502, 504. As previously described the capillary bridges 530 short circuit or shunt communication between the exterior and interior passages 502, 504 and allow for a shortened delivery path therebetween and rapid mixing of updated agricultural solutions with previously delivered agricultural solutions. In a dispensing configuration with the initial flow delivered through the interior flow passage 504, the capillary bridges 530 allow for deliver of the agricultural solution from the higher pressure interior flow passage 504 to the lower pressure exterior flow passage 502. In a converse arrangement, the capillary bridges 530 facilitate inverse transmission between the exterior and interior flow passages 502, 504. Optionally, the capillary bridges 530 provide another feature for mixing the agricultural solution and one or more agricultural products, for instance by mixing the carrier fluid and products by way of passage through the bridges 530 and disturbances of the laminar flow in the passages 502, 504 (e.g., by the incoming flow from the bridges 530).
In a similar manner to the recirculation networks previously described herein the sprayer boom tube 500 allows for localized recirculation of the agricultural solutions resident in the boom tube 500. Other portions of the spraying system, including remote portions, such as supply tanks, agricultural product reservoirs or the like are isolated from the recirculation network including the sprayer boom tube 500 and the recirculating agricultural solution. In one example the exterior and interior flow passages 502, 504 are in communication with a circulation bridge, such as the bridge 408 and a network pump 306 as shown in
At 702, an agricultural solution is dispensed through a plurality of product dispensers. For example, the method 700 includes at 704 pumping the agricultural solution from an agricultural solution source to at least one spray boom tube. For instance, the agricultural solution is pumped by a system pump to the spray boom. In some examples, the agricultural solution is pumped with the system pump and a network pump.
In an example, the agricultural solution is linearly delivered through the sprayer boom tube, for instance to the product dispensers. Optionally, the agricultural solution is laterally delivered across one or more capillary bridges spanning portions of the sprayer boom tube. For instance, agricultural solution having a first agricultural product concentration is mixed with agricultural solution having a second agricultural product concentration. At 706, the agricultural solution is sprayed from the product dispensers.
At 708, the method 700 includes recirculating the agricultural solution in a recirculation network. The recirculation network includes the sprayer boom tube and a network pump. At 710 the sprayer boom tube is isolated from the system pump and the agricultural solution source. In an example, at 712 agricultural solution that is resident in the recirculation network is pumped through a continuous recirculation loop. For instance, agricultural solution present in the recirculation network is pumped upon isolating the at least one sprayer boom tube. In an example, the continuous recirculation loop includes the sprayer boom tube with the network pump.
Several options for the method 700 follow. In an example, an idle condition (e.g., of a prime mover) includes one or more of a vehicle stopped condition, a vehicle turning condition or an interrupted spraying condition. The agricultural solution is optionally recirculated in the idle condition.
Various Notes and AspectsAspect 1 includes subject matter such as a product dispensing system comprising: at least one recirculation network configured for communication with a system pump, the at least one recirculation network is downstream from the system pump, the at least one recirculation network includes: at least one sprayer boom tube extending between a proximal portion and an distal portion; and a network pump in communication with the at least one sprayer boom tube; a plurality of product dispensers distributed along the at least one sprayer boom tube; and wherein the at least one recirculation network includes a dispensing configuration and a recirculation configuration: in the dispensing configuration the recirculation network and the plurality of product dispensers are configured for communication with a supply tank and an agricultural product reservoir; and in the recirculation configuration the recirculation network is isolated from the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir, and the recirculation network includes a recirculation loop continuously extending through the at least one sprayer boom tube and the network pump.
Aspect 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1, to optionally include wherein the recirculation loop is proximate to the at least one sprayer boom tube and remote from the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir.
Aspect 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 or 2 to optionally include wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube is coupled with a sprayer boom of an agricultural sprayer.
Aspect 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1-3 to optionally include the agricultural sprayer and the sprayer boom.
Aspect 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1-4 to optionally include wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes first and second sprayer boom tubes, and each of the first and second sprayer boom tubes extends between proximal portions and distal portions, respectively.
Aspect 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-5 to optionally include wherein the first and second sprayer boom tubes are coupled in a stacked configuration and configured for coupling along a sprayer boom.
Aspect 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-6 to optionally include wherein in the dispensing configuration the first and second boom tubes are isolated from each other with an isolation valve, and in the recirculation configuration the isolation valve is open and the recirculation loop includes the first and second sprayer boom tubes in communication.
Aspect 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-7 to optionally include wherein the at least one recirculation network includes: a boom return interconnecting ends of the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube; one or more capillary bridges spanning between the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube, the one or more capillary bridges interconnect the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and a length of the capillary bridges is shorter than a length of the sprayer boom tube between proximal and distal portions.
Aspect 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-8 to optionally include wherein the one or more capillary bridges includes an array of capillary bridges spanning between the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
Aspect 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-9 to optionally include wherein the one or more capillary bridges each include: an inlet port in communication with the proximal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube; an outlet port in communication with the distal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and the capillary bridge extends between the inlet and outlet ports.
Aspect 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-10 to optionally include wherein the capillary bridge includes a capillary tube.
Aspect 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-11 to optionally include wherein the capillary bridge includes a venturi fitting, the venturi fitting includes: a throat having a throat profile smaller than a boom tube profile of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and the outlet port proximate to the throat and in communication with the throat.
Aspect 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-12 to optionally include the supply tank configured to store a carrier fluid; the agricultural product reservoir configured to store an agricultural product; a system pump in communication with each of the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir, the system pump is configured to pump a mixture of the carrier fluid and the agricultural product to the at least one sprayer boom tube.
Aspect 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-13 to optionally include wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes: an exterior flow passage; an interior flow passage within the exterior flow passage: a septum wall therebetween; and wherein the plurality of product dispensers are each in communication with at least one of the exterior or interior flow passages.
Aspect 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-14 to optionally include wherein one or more support struts extend between the septum wall and a tube wall surrounding the exterior flow passage.
Aspect 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-15 to optionally include wherein the one or more support struts are configured to mix an agricultural solution including a carrier fluid and an agricultural product in each of the dispensing and recirculation configurations.
Aspect 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-16 to optionally include wherein one or more capillary bridges span between the exterior and interior flow passages, and the one or more capillary bridges interconnect the exterior and interior flow passages.
Aspect 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-17 to optionally include a product dispensing system comprising: at least one sprayer boom tube extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion configured for communication with a source of agricultural solution; a plurality of product dispensers distributed along the at least one sprayer boom tube; and a distribution array coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube, the distribution array includes: one or more capillary bridges spanning the proximal and distal portions, the one or more capillary bridges interconnect the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and a length of the one or more capillary bridges is shorter than a length of the sprayer boom tube between the proximal and distal portions.
Aspect 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-18 to optionally include wherein the source of agricultural solution includes a supply tank for carrier fluid and an agricultural product reservoir.
Aspect 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-19 to optionally include wherein the one or more capillary bridges includes at least first and second capillary bridges: the first capillary bridge spanning the proximal and distal portions at a first proximal location and a first distal location; and the second capillary bridge spanning the proximal and distal portions at a second proximal and distal locations different than the first proximal and distal locations.
Aspect 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-20 to optionally include wherein the distribution array including the one or more capillary bridges includes an array of capillary bridges spanning between the proximal and opposed distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
Aspect 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-21 to optionally include wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes a boom return interconnecting respective ends of the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
Aspect 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-22 to optionally include wherein the one or more capillary bridges each includes a capillary tube.
Aspect 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-23 to optionally include wherein the one or more capillary bridges each include: an inlet port in communication with the proximal of the at least one sprayer boom tube; an outlet port in communication with the distal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and the capillary bridge extends between the inlet and outlet ports.
Aspect 25 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-24 to optionally include wherein the capillary bridge includes a venturi fitting, the venturi fitting includes: a throat having a throat profile smaller than a boom tube profile of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and the outlet port proximate to the throat and in communication with the throat.
Aspect 26 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-25 to optionally include wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes the plurality of product dispensers distributed along each of the proximal and distal portions.
Aspect 27 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-26 to optionally include a method for operating a product dispensing system comprising: dispensing an agricultural solution through a plurality of product dispensers, dispensing includes: pumping the agricultural solution from an agricultural solution source to at least one sprayer boom tube with a system pump: spraying the agricultural solution from the plurality of product dispensers coupled along the at least one sprayer boom tube; and recirculating the agricultural solution in a recirculation network including the at least one sprayer boom tube and a network pump, recirculating includes: isolating the at least one sprayer boom tube from the system pump and the agricultural solution source; and pumping resident agricultural solution in the recirculation network through a continuous recirculation loop including the at least one sprayer boom tube with the network pump.
Aspect 28 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-27 to optionally include wherein pumping the resident agricultural solution includes pumping agricultural solution present in the recirculation network upon isolating the at least one sprayer boom tube.
Aspect 29 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-28 to optionally include wherein pumping the agricultural solution to the at least one sprayer boom tube with the system pump includes pumping the agricultural solution with the system pump and the network pump.
Aspect 30 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-29 to optionally include, wherein an idle condition includes one or more of a vehicle stopped condition, a vehicle turning condition or an interrupted spraying condition, and recirculating the agricultural solution includes recirculating in the idle condition.
Aspect 31 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-30 to optionally include wherein dispensing the agricultural solution includes: linearly delivering the agricultural solution through the at least one sprayer boom tube, and laterally delivering the agricultural solution across one or more capillary bridges spanning portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
Aspect 32 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspects 1-31 to optionally include wherein laterally delivery the agricultural solution across the one or more capillary bridges includes mixing the agricultural solution having a first agricultural product concentration with the agricultural solution having a second agricultural product concentration.
Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.
The above description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.
In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.
In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B.” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
Geometric terms, such as “parallel”, “perpendicular”. “round”, or “square”, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as “round” or “generally round,” a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.
The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Claims
1. A product dispensing system comprising:
- at least one recirculation network configured for communication with a system pump, the at least one recirculation network is downstream from the system pump, the at least one recirculation network includes: at least one sprayer boom tube extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion; and a network pump in communication with the at least one sprayer boom tube;
- a plurality of product dispensers distributed along the at least one sprayer boom tube; and
- wherein the at least one recirculation network includes a dispensing configuration and a recirculation configuration: in the dispensing configuration the recirculation network and the plurality of product dispensers are configured for communication with a supply tank and an agricultural product reservoir; and in the recirculation configuration the recirculation network is isolated from the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir, and the recirculation network includes a recirculation loop continuously extending through the at least one sprayer boom tube and the network pump.
2. The product dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the recirculation loop is proximate to the at least one sprayer boom tube and remote from the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir.
3. The product dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube is coupled with a sprayer boom of an agricultural sprayer.
4. The product dispensing system of claim 3 comprising the agricultural sprayer and the sprayer boom.
5. The product dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes first and second sprayer boom tubes, and each of the first and second sprayer boom tubes extends between proximal portions and distal portions, respectively.
6. The product dispensing system of claim 5, wherein the first and second sprayer boom tubes are coupled in a stacked configuration and configured for coupling along a sprayer boom.
7. The product dispensing system of claim 5, wherein in the dispensing configuration the first and second boom tubes are isolated from each other with an isolation valve, and in the recirculation configuration the isolation valve is open and the recirculation loop includes the first and second sprayer boom tubes in communication.
8. The product dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one recirculation network includes:
- a boom return interconnecting ends of the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube;
- one or more capillary bridges spanning between the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube, the one or more capillary bridges interconnect the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and
- a length of the capillary bridges is shorter than a length of the sprayer boom tube between proximal and distal portions.
9. The product dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the one or more capillary bridges includes an array of capillary bridges spanning between the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
10. The product dispensing system of claim 8, wherein the one or more capillary bridges each include:
- an inlet port in communication with the proximal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube;
- an outlet port in communication with the distal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube;
- and the capillary bridge extends between the inlet and outlet ports.
11. The product dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the capillary bridge includes a capillary tube.
12. The product dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the capillary bridge includes a venturi fitting, the venturi fitting includes:
- a throat having a throat profile smaller than a boom tube profile of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and
- the outlet port proximate to the throat and in communication with the throat.
13. The product dispensing system of claim 1 comprising
- the supply tank configured to store a carrier fluid;
- the agricultural product reservoir configured to store an agricultural product;
- a system pump in communication with each of the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir, the system pump is configured to pump a mixture of the carrier fluid and the agricultural product to the at least one sprayer boom tube.
14. The product dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes:
- an exterior flow passage;
- an interior flow passage within the exterior flow passage;
- a septum wall therebetween; and
- wherein the plurality of product dispensers are each in communication with at least one of the exterior or interior flow passages.
15. The product dispensing system of claim 14, wherein one or more support struts extend between the septum wall and a tube wall surrounding the exterior flow passage.
16. The product dispensing system of claim 15, wherein the one or more support struts are configured to mix an agricultural solution including a carrier fluid and an agricultural product in each of the dispensing and recirculation configurations.
17. The product dispensing system of claim 14, wherein one or more capillary bridges span between the exterior and interior flow passages, and the one or more capillary bridges interconnect the exterior and interior flow passage
18. A product dispensing system comprising:
- at least one sprayer boom tube extending between a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion configured for communication with a source of agricultural solution;
- a plurality of product dispensers distributed along the at least one sprayer boom tube; and
- a distribution array coupled between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube, the distribution array includes: one or more capillary bridges spanning the proximal and distal portions, the one or more capillary bridges interconnect the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and a length of the one or more capillary bridges is shorter than a length of the sprayer boom tube between the proximal and distal portions.
19. The product dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the source of agricultural solution includes a supply tank for carrier fluid and an agricultural product reservoir.
20. The product dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the one or more capillary bridges includes at least first and second capillary bridges:
- the first capillary bridge spanning the proximal and distal portions at a first proximal location and a first distal location; and
- the second capillary bridge spanning the proximal and distal portions at second proximal and distal locations different than the first proximal and distal locations.
21. The product dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the distribution array including the one or more capillary bridges includes an array of capillary bridges spanning between the proximal and opposed distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
22. The product dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes a boom return interconnecting respective ends of the proximal and distal portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
23. The product dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the one or more capillary bridges each includes a capillary tube.
24. The product dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the one or more capillary bridges each include:
- an inlet port in communication with the proximal of the at least one sprayer boom tube;
- an outlet port in communication with the distal portion of the at least one sprayer boom tube;
- and the capillary bridge extends between the inlet and outlet ports.
25. The product dispensing system of claim 24, wherein the capillary bridge includes a venturi fitting, the venturi fitting includes:
- a throat having a throat profile smaller than a boom tube profile of the at least one sprayer boom tube; and
- the outlet port proximate to the throat and in communication with the throat.
26. The product dispensing system of claim 18, wherein the at least one sprayer boom tube includes the plurality of product dispensers distributed along each of the proximal and distal portions.
27. A method for operating a product dispensing system comprising:
- dispensing an agricultural solution through a plurality of product dispensers, dispensing includes: pumping the agricultural solution from an agricultural solution source to at least one sprayer boom tube with a system pump; spraying the agricultural solution from the plurality of product dispensers coupled along the at least one sprayer boom tube; and
- recirculating the agricultural solution in a recirculation network including the at least one sprayer boom tube and a network pump, recirculating includes: isolating the at least one sprayer boom tube from the system pump and the agricultural solution source; and pumping resident agricultural solution in the recirculation network through a continuous recirculation loop including the at least one sprayer boom tube with the network pump.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein pumping the resident agricultural solution includes pumping agricultural solution present in the recirculation network upon isolating the at least one sprayer boom tube.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein pumping the agricultural solution to the at least one sprayer boom tube with the system pump includes pumping the agricultural solution with the system pump and the network pump.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein an idle condition includes one or more of a vehicle stopped condition, a vehicle turning condition or an interrupted spraying condition, and
- recirculating the agricultural solution includes recirculating in the idle condition.
31. The method of claim 27, wherein dispensing the agricultural solution includes:
- linearly delivering the agricultural solution through the at least one sprayer boom tube, and
- laterally delivering the agricultural solution across one or more capillary bridges spanning portions of the at least one sprayer boom tube.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein laterally delivery the agricultural solution across the one or more capillary bridges includes mixing the agricultural solution having a first agricultural product concentration with the agricultural solution having a second agricultural product concentration.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 14, 2019
Publication Date: Jan 13, 2022
Inventors: Jesse Lee Wagers (Harrisburg, SD), Nicholas O. Michael (Sioux Falls, SD)
Application Number: 17/293,843